The Western Washington University (WWU), situated in Bellingham, Washington, is a mid-sized public university with around 16,000 students. It has a strong reputation for its nurturing study environment and courses in Environmental Science, Education, Business, Psychology, and Liberal Arts. The admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 91%. WWU boasts a graduation rate of around 67%, and its alumni command average starting salaries of USD $46,000–50,000 (INR 38–42 lakhs) per year.
The Washington State University (WSU), which is based in Pullman, Washington, is a major public research institution with approximately 30,000 students on its campuses. It is highly famous for programs in Agriculture, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Health Sciences. Admissions are relatively more selective compared to WWU, and the acceptance rate is close to 85%. WSU's graduation rate is approximately 65%, and graduates receive average starting salaries of USD $50,000–55,000 (INR 41–46 lakhs) per annum.
| Western Washington University | Washington State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.5 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1401 QS World University 2025 # 1778 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 1401 QS World University 2024 | # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 # 423 QS World University 2026 # 307 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -123 PG Programs -28 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -84 PG Programs -48 |
| Acceptance Rate | 91.0 % | 85.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1080 TOEFL-80 | GMAT-565 GRE-311 IELTS-6.5 MELAB-77 SAT-1020 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 24739 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 22556 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 25167 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 26312 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 13533 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 26254 Per Year |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.8/10 Read 3 reviews | 7.4/10 Read 3 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2019 | # 251 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 301 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -33821 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -13533 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | May 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2024 Intake) | Jan 10, 2024 (Priority Application Deadline For Fall Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Western Washington University | Washington State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1893 | 1890 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 16:1 |
| Male:Female | 57% Male, 43% Female | 48% Male, 52% Female |
| Hostel | #On campus - $10971 #Off campus (not with family) - $10971 #Off campus (with family) - $3225 | #On campus - $11356 #Off campus (not with family) - $11356 #Off campus (with family) - $3542 |
| Weather |
Western Washington University vs Washington State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Washington State University (WSU) is more highly placed in the world and globally than Western Washington University (WWU). WSU is globally and nationally ranked approximately 423 in QS 2026 and 401–500 in THE 2026, with its leading strengths in Agriculture, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Business, and Communications. WWU, although not generally placed within broad global systems, is known regionally for Environmental Sciences, Education, Business, Psychology, and Liberal Arts.
General Information
WSU, established in 1890 in Pullman, Washington, is a large public research university with ~30,000 students on its main and branch campuses, with extensive undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. WWU, established in 1893 in Bellingham, Washington, is a public university with ~16,000 students, renowned for its undergraduate emphasis, liberal arts orientation, and initiatives for sustainability.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
WWU is relatively selective 91%, with an emphasis on undergraduate admissions and individualized learning. WSU shares a similar acceptance rate 85%, although some majors like Engineering, Business, and Veterinary Medicine are more competitive.
Research Impact & Facilities
WSU is a Carnegie R1 research university with significant investments in STEM, agriculture, health sciences, and veterinary medicine and hosts one of the best veterinary schools in the country. WWU places major focus on undergraduate research and experiential learning in environmental science, sustainability, and liberal arts but has a lower-scale research profile than WSU.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are state universities. WWU costs about $8,300 in-state and ~$26,000 out-of-state, while WSU costs about $12,500 in-state and ~$28,000 out-of-state per year. Both provide merit scholarships, need-based aid, and financial assistance for in-state and foreign students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
WSU graduates are successful in agriculture, engineering, veterinary medicine, communications, and business, with extensive state-wide and national connections. WWU graduates achieve success in education, environmental science, business, psychology, and public service, frequently in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest, with a strong focus on community reach and sustainability.
